The McDougald Funeral Home2211 North Main StreetAnderson, SC 29621864-224-4343OBITUARY w/photoFLAG GARY WITT May 9, 1947 - November 10, 2009ANDERSON, SCJames Gary Witt went to be with the Lord on November 10, 2009 surrounded by family and friends at his home.He is lovingly survived by his wife of 41 years, Debra Gollihugh-Witt, his sons, Ryan Witt and wife, Kate Sharp-Witt of Bradenton, FL; Jeffrey Witt of Anderson and daughter, Jessica Lee Beaver of Easley, SC.Gary was born in Belton, SC to James Witt of Anderson and Wilma Bannister Witt(deceased). He was the eldest brother to Debra Witt Elgin (Bill), Greg (Debbie), Ken and Danny (Libby) Witt, all of Anderson, and David (Tammy) Witt of Rock Hill, SC. He is loved by many nieces and nephews. Gary also had a brother of choice, Danny 'Bear' Rozier of Sioux Falls, SD, serving two tours together in Vietnam and were considered inseparable by his Pathfinder Unit. They have remained as close as any brothers could.Gary served two tours in Vietnam in the 101st Airborne Combat Pathfinders and one year in A Co 1/502 BN 101st ABN receiving five bronze stars. He served forty days in the Ashua Valley, SFC. Witt was a master Parachutist with over 200 jumps, a Jumpmaster and an Airborne Instructor. He also was an instructor at the Pathfinder School. Upon retiring from the US Army, he was employed by Anderson County Sheriff's Department and then took the position of Chief of Police of West Pelzer. He owned and operated Gary's Gutters.Gary's love of children was exhibited through his coaching of 12 and under baseball league in the military and working with the Berlin Cub Scouts.Gary came to know the Lord on December 10th 1994 at 11pm changing his life, serving faithfully until his life's course was completed. His favorite scripture was Isaiah 40:31 'They will soar on wings like eagles; then will run and not grow weary and they will walk and not be faint'. This passage became the essence of his life. Gary gracefully endured 2 liver transplants and a kidney transplant and 9 months of chemotherapy without complaint.PAGE TWO OBITUARY: GARY WITTGary, along with his family want to thank all of the wonderful staff who have cared for him over the past 7 years with special thanks to Dr. Michael Kunkel and Dr. Steve McElveen, Dr. Charles Kanos, Dr. Mark O'Rourke, and the Cancer Centers of the Carolina's Staff, the 5D Staff and PACU at GHM, and VistaCare Hospice. A very special thank you to Dr. Adrian Reuben and the transplant team at MUSC. Words cannot express our most heartfelt thank you to the donor families who gave the gift of life through organ donation.The family will receive friends at Rocky River Worship Center from 5 pm until 7pm on Friday, November 13, 2009. The Funeral will be held at Rocky River Worship Center on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 5:00 pm officiated by Reverend Sam Autry. Honorary escorts will be CPT Steven Campbell who served with SFC Witt in Vietnam representing the 101st Airborne Pathfinders and the Aaron Bridwell Sunday School Class. In lieu of flowers, tributes may be donated to the Acts of Praise at Rocky River Worship Center.The family will be at the home in Anderson. A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visitingwww.mcdougaldfuneralhome.comThe McDougald Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.